The V-22 Osprey exceeds 500,000 flight hours
Boeing and Bell Textron’s joint creation, the V-22 Osprey, has now topped the 500,000-flight hour milestone
Being the only production tiltrotor aircraft available in today’s market, the V-22 Osprey allows service personnel to conduct a diverse range of missions in some of the most difficult operating environments – most recently, the V-22 was deployed in relief operations in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian.
“Since delivery of the first V-22 aircraft, Bell Boeing has ensured that our men and women in uniform have this indispensable asset available to protect heroes and save lives,” said Kristin Houston, Vice-President, Boeing Tiltrotor Programmes and Director, Bell Boeing V-22 Programme.
The company milestone of over 500,000 flight hours was reached by a fleet of over 375 Osprey aircraft, including the US Air Force CV-22 and the US Marine Corps MV-22. Bell Boeing supports V-22 readiness through a comprehensive sustainment effort that includes maintenance, training, on-site field representatives and data analytics. Bell Boeing is also working with the V-22 programme office on several efforts to improve V-22 readiness. The Marines’ Common Configuration Readiness and Modernisation program (CC-RAM), the Air Force’s configuration reducing modification plan, and nacelle wiring and structure improvements are expected to increase readiness of the V-22 fleet.
“The V-22 provides unmatched capability for the US Marines and US Air Force Special Operations Command,” said US Marine Corps Col. Matthew Kelly, V-22 Joint Programme Manager. “The platform’s influence on our nation’s defence is seen through its extensive operational and humanitarian impact across the globe.”
The V-22 has continuously served the Marines, the Navy and the Air Force Special Operations since 2007. In 2020, the CMV-22, a third variant, is scheduled to join the US Navy fleet.